Which is a common presentation in a patient with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)?

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a condition characterized by a significant impairment of both T and B lymphocytes, leading to a severely compromised immune system. As a result, these patients are highly susceptible to infections, which can manifest as recurrent or persistent infections.

Failure to thrive is a common presentation in patients with SCID due to several factors. First, recurrent infections can lead to significant nutritional needs, increased caloric expenditure, and poor appetite, all contributing to inadequate weight gain and growth. Additionally, the chronic nature of these infections can further impede weight gain due to malabsorption or increased metabolic demands. Consequently, the growth parameters of a child with SCID often reflect their immune challenges and the toll that frequent infections take on their overall health and development.

In contrast, excessive weight gain is not typical for SCID patients, as the condition usually leads to undernutrition rather than surplus weight. Chronic joint pain is also not a primary feature of SCID; while some patients may experience pain associated with infections or other comorbidities, it's not a hallmark of the disorder. Finally, while skin rashes can occur in many conditions, they are not a common or defining characteristic of SCID. Therefore, failure to thrive stands out as